SMOKY MOUNTAIN QUILTERS OF TENNESSEE QUILT SHOW HISTORY
On June 2, 1980, thirty-four women sharing a common love of quiltmaking, met in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee living room of Allison Arnold, a transplanted middle Tennessee native who had been teaching quilting in her home since 1978. Spurred on by the enthusiasm of Mildred Locke of Bell Buckle, Tennessee and the newly formed Tennessee Valley Quilters Association (TVQA), Allison set out to determine if there was interest in forming a group to promote fine quality quilting in the eastern part of the state. Smoky Mountain Chapter of TVQA (known later as SMQ or Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee) was a direct result of that meeting.
Shortly after the chapter's formation, members decided to participate in the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville, demonstrating quilting and answering questions pertaining to quiltmaking. It was noted that in 1980, the typical quilted entries were not of "high quality." The First Place prize was only $3.00, and quilting teachers were prohibited from entering their quilts! The public was not being exposed to the excellent quiltmaking that was going on around the state.
Emphasis was placed on promoting fine quality quilting and encouraging good techniques in quiltmaking. Fair organizers were encouraged to establish a separate category for teachers. SMQ members also voted to take a major step forward and produce their own quilt show. Between August 1980 and April 1981, plans were under way for the First Annual Smoky Mountain Quilt Competition and Show. Judy Elwood served as Show Chairman, and although they had the support and assistance of other Smoky Mountain members, it was her drive, determination and exuberance that got this first show off the ground. Three other volunteers ( Suzanne Haase, Janice Sanders and Glenys Nappo) were also extremely instrumental in planning this event. The quilt show was in the hands of four total strangers who had never even entered a show much less produced one!
The American Museum of Science and Energy was the site of the inaugural show and featured 169 entries and eighteen antique quilts for display. Categories for that first show included bed quilts, wall quilts, crib quilts, pillows and cathedral window items. Entries were sent from across the state and a few other states were represented as well. The quilt show was well received and became an anticipated event at the museum through 1990 when an Invitational Show featured previous ribbon winners from earlier competitions. This particular format was chosen due to the fact that SMQ members were absorbed in planning the production of the 21st Annual National Quilting Association Quilt Show in Knoxville. (One could say that ten years of preparation went into this show!) Judy Elwood (you'll remember her as the Chairperson of SMQ's first show) was president of NQA in 1990.
Following this event, representatives from the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville requested assistance from Smoky Mountain Quilters in producing their quilt show. After much evaluation, discussion and soul-searching by members, a decision was made to move the annual SMQ show to its present location at TVA Towers in Knoxville. The show's duration changed from a ten-day event to a seventeen-day event to coincide with the Dogwood Arts Festival calendar.
Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee (there's also a SMQ of North Carolina) adheres to the original goals: to promote and encourage the knowledge of quilt making as an art and a craft, to study its history as an integral part of our past, and to promote friendship through shared activities. Members have contributed nearly 600 quilts to Knoxville's Ronald McDonald House and additional quilts to babies suffering from aids and other catastrophic illnesses, women's shelters and similar charities. They provide demonstrations, exhibits and lectures in a variety of public venues. SMQ members join together for workshops, excursions, fundraisers, socializing, sharing and, of course, the annual quilt show. Bees provide opportunities for more intimate quilt gatherings and members are continuously challenging each other to be creative, improve skills and to try "something new."
Approximately 160 members from Knoxville and surrounding counties comprise SMQ. Some of these members are involved in additional quilt-related activities such as: judging, teaching, lecturing, appraising, studying quilt history, serving on boards of other quilting organizations and writing. For many, quilt making is a passion; for others, it's a pastime. All share a common bond. They LOVE quilts!